The Change

Reach for this book when your child feels like an outsider or is struggling to reconcile who they used to be with who they are becoming. While framed as a high stakes science fiction adventure, it is at its heart a deeply moving exploration of identity and the sacrifices we make to find our place in the world. Tobias, a boy trapped in the body of a red tailed hawk, is offered a chance to regain his human form and his powers. However, the choice comes with a heavy price and the realization that he may no longer fit into the world he once called home. Suitable for ages 8 to 12, this story provides a safe, metaphorical space to discuss loneliness, autonomy, and the courage it takes to be different. Parents will appreciate how it validates the difficult process of self discovery without offering easy, magical fixes.